Google reveals latest designs by BIG and Heatherwick for new California HQ

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In a 67-page document submitted to Mountain View City Council on 23 January 2017, the technology giant revealed extensive details of its plans for Google Charleston East, the company's first purpose-built office complex.

The majority of the building's facilities – including laboratories, cafes, offices and events spaces – will be at ground level, while offices will be raised up on a mezzanine level above.

The roof itself will be made up of curved metal squares in both pale and dark grey, including a finish that will deter birds from flying into it, according to the document.

It will incorporate photovoltaic solar panels and "smile-shaped clerestories" to bring direct, indirect and diffused natural light down to the spaces below.

The rest of the building will be constructed using a minimalist palette of materials that predominantly include metal and glass.

The floor plan is deliberately designed to not line up with the roof above, to create "outdoor rooms" at corners. Some of the spaces designed for these corners include "sloped savannah", "hangout hill" and a sculpture garden.

The designs still also include the "green loop" – a pedestrian pathway designed to snake through the building, creating a network of indoor/outdoor spaces lined with shops and cafes.

"The design of Charleston East includes a large canopy that regulates indoor climate, air quality and sound, and encloses flexible components that can be rearranged as necessary," reads the document.

"Our plans for the indoor and outdoor spaces include native habitats and vegetation designed to support local biodiversity and create educational opportunities for the community."

But the company then revealed that it had a backup option – it already had planning permission to build office and commercial space on the current site, which is located near Charleston Park.

This site is significantly smaller, so the design team had to completely rework their design. The latest offering is much more compact than the original vision, and as yet there has been no mention of robot construction.

BIG and Heatherwick Studio are also now working together on Google's London headquarters.